U.S. patent application number 13/380974 was filed with the patent office on 2012-05-03 for communication apparatus, communication apparatus control method, and program.
This patent application is currently assigned to CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA. Invention is credited to Tatsuhiko Sakai.
Application Number | 20120106396 13/380974 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43410769 |
Filed Date | 2012-05-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120106396 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sakai; Tatsuhiko |
May 3, 2012 |
COMMUNICATION APPARATUS, COMMUNICATION APPARATUS CONTROL METHOD,
AND PROGRAM
Abstract
In an apparatus that can execute a plurality of communication
parameter automatic setting methods, user-friendliness is improved.
The communication apparatus selects whether to execute
communication parameter setting processing with an access point or
to execute communication parameter setting processing with another
communication apparatus, which is different from the access point,
based on a result of detecting apparatuses that is activating
communication parameter setting processing.
Inventors: |
Sakai; Tatsuhiko; (Tokyo,
JP) |
Assignee: |
CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
43410769 |
Appl. No.: |
13/380974 |
Filed: |
July 1, 2010 |
PCT Filed: |
July 1, 2010 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2010/004326 |
371 Date: |
December 27, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
370/254 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W 84/18 20130101;
H04W 8/005 20130101; H04W 28/18 20130101; H04W 48/18 20130101; H04W
84/12 20130101; H04W 88/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
370/254 |
International
Class: |
H04W 84/18 20090101
H04W084/18 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 3, 2009 |
JP |
2009-158943 |
Claims
1. A communication apparatus, comprising: a first setting unit for
executing a first setting process for setting communication
parameters with an access point; a second setting unit for
executing a second setting process for setting communication
parameters with another communication apparatus that is not the
access point; a detection unit configured to detect an apparatus
that is activating the first or second setting process; and a
selection unit configured to select whether to perform the first
setting process by the first setting unit or to perform the second
setting process by the second setting unit, based on detection
performed by the detection unit.
2. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein if an
access point that is activating the first setting process is
detected by the detection unit, the selection unit selects
executing the first setting process by the first setting unit.
3. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein if an
access point activating the first setting process is detected by
the detection unit and another communication apparatus that is
activating the second setting process is not detected, the
selection unit selects executing the first setting process by the
first setting unit.
4. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein if an
access point that is activating the first setting process is not
detected by the detection unit, the selection unit selects
executing the second setting process by the second setting
unit.
5. The communication apparatus according to claims 1, wherein if
another communication apparatus that is activating the second
setting process is detected by the detection unit and an access
point that is activating the first setting process is not detected
by the detection unit, the selection unit selects executing the
second setting process by the second setting unit.
6. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein if the
selection unit selects and activates the second setting processing
by the second setting unit, and neither an access point that is
activating the first setting process nor another communication
apparatus that is activating the second setting process is detected
by the detection unit, the detection unit detects an apparatus that
is activating communication parameter setting processing in a state
in which the second setting process by the second setting unit is
activating.
7. The communication apparatus according to claim 6, wherein after
the second setting process by the second setting unit is activated,
if an access point that is activating the first setting processing
is detected by the detection unit, the communication apparatus
stops the second setting process.
8. A communication apparatus, comprising: a first setting unit for
executing communication parameter setting processing with an access
point; a second setting unit for executing communication parameter
setting processing with another communication apparatus that is
different from the access point; a detection unit configured to
detect an access point that is activating first communication
parameter setting processing or another apparatus that is
activating second communication parameter setting processing; and
an execution unit configured to selectively execute setting
processing by the first setting unit and setting processing by the
second setting unit, based on detection performed by the detection
unit.
9. A communication apparatus, comprising: a first setting unit for
executing communication parameter setting processing in an
infrastructure mode; a second setting unit for executing
communication parameter setting processing in an ad hoc mode; a
detection unit configured to detect an apparatus that is activating
communication parameter setting processing; and a selection unit
configured to select whether to perform setting processing by the
first setting unit or to perform setting processing by the second
setting unit, based on the detection performed by the detection
unit.
10. A method for controlling a communication apparatus, comprising:
detecting an apparatus that is activating communication parameter
setting processing; and selecting whether to execute communication
parameter setting processing with an access point based on a first
setting processing or to execute communication parameter setting
processing with another communication apparatus, which is different
from the access point, based on second setting processing,
according to a detection result.
11. A method for controlling a communication apparatus, comprising:
detecting an access point that is activating first communication
parameter setting processing or another communication apparatus
that is activating second communication parameter setting
processing; and selectively executing the first communication
parameter setting processing with the access point and the second
communication parameter setting processing with another
communication apparatus, which is different from the access point,
based on the detection result.
12. A method for controlling a communication apparatus, comprising:
detecting an apparatus that is activating communication parameter
setting processing; and selectively executing communication
parameter setting processing in an infrastructure mode and
communication parameter setting processing in an ad hoc mode, based
on the detection result.
13. A computer readable storage medium storing a
computer-executable program of instruction for causing a computer
to function as the communication apparatus according to claim
1.
14. The computer readable storage medium according to claim 13,
wherein in the communication apparatus, if an access point that is
activating the first setting process is detected by the detection
unit, the selection unit selects executing the first setting
process by the first setting unit.
15. The computer readable storage medium according to claim 13,
wherein in the communication apparatus, if an access point
activating the first setting process is detected by the detection
unit and another communication apparatus that is activating the
second setting process is not detected, the selection unit selects
executing the first setting process by the first setting unit.
16. The computer readable storage medium according to claim 13,
wherein in the communication apparatus, if an access point that is
activating the first setting process is not detected by the
detection unit, the selection unit selects executing the second
setting process by the second setting unit.
17. The computer readable storage medium according to claim 13,
wherein in the communication apparatus, if another communication
apparatus that is activating the second setting process is detected
by the detection unit and an access point that is activating the
first setting process is not detected by the detection unit, the
selection unit selects executing the second setting process by the
second setting unit.
18. The computer readable storage medium according to claim 13,
wherein in the communication apparatus, if the selection unit
selects and activates the second setting processing by the second
setting unit, and neither an access point that is activating the
first setting process nor another communication apparatus that is
activating the second setting process is detected by the detection
unit, the detection unit detects an apparatus that is activating
communication parameter setting processing in a state in which the
second setting process by the second setting unit is
activating.
19. The computer readable storage medium according to claim 13,
wherein in the communication apparatus, after the second setting
process by the second setting unit is activated, if an access point
that is activating the first setting processing is detected by the
detection unit, the communication apparatus stops the second
setting process.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a communication apparatus,
a communication apparatus control method, and a program.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] In wireless communication represented by a wireless local
access network (LAN) based on the Institute of Electrical and
Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard series, there are many
setting items to be set before use. Examples of such settings
include a service set identifier (SSID) as a network identifier, an
encryption system, an encryption key, an authentication method, an
authentication key, and the like. It is very difficult for a user
to manually input all of these settings.
[0003] Accordingly, various manufacturers have proposed automatic
setting methods to enable easy setting of communication parameters
in a wireless device. These automatic setting methods automatically
set communication parameters between devices to be connected based
on predetermined procedures and messages, by providing
communication parameters from one of the devices to another device.
Non-Patent Literature 1 discusses an example of automatic setting
of communication parameters in wireless LAN infrastructure mode
communication (infrastructure communication).
[0004] Patent Literatures 1 to 3 discuss examples of automatic
setting of communication parameters in wireless LAN ad hoc mode
communication (ad hoc communication). In Patent Literature 1 to 3,
a device performing ad hoc communication determines a device
(providing device) that provides communication parameters from
among the devices joining the network, and the providing device
provides the communication parameters to the other device
(receiving device).
[0005] Thus, by utilizing automatic setting of communication
parameters, the user can automatically set the communication
parameters by a simple operation.
CITATION LIST
Patent Literature
[0006] PTL 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
2006-352282
[0007] PTL 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
2006-311138
[0008] PTL 3: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
2006-309458
Non Patent Literature
[0009] NPL 1: Wi-Fi Certified (TM) for Wi-Fi Protected Setup:
Easing the User Experience for Home and Small Office Wi-Fi (R)
Networks,
http://www.wi-fi.org/wp/wifi-protected-setup
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0010] A case will now be considered in which a plurality of
communication parameter automatic setting methods is installed on a
device. Conventionally, for a device in which a plurality of
automatic setting functions are installed, the user selects the
automatic setting method to be activated via a menu screen.
However, in this case, the user himself/herself has to select the
appropriate communication parameter automatic setting method, so
that user-friendliness is poor. If the user selects the wrong
automatic setting method, automatic setting processing is not
executed, and wireless communication cannot be performed.
Solution To Problem
[0011] The present invention is directed to a communication
apparatus capable of executing a plurality of communication
parameter automatic setting methods, and improving
user-friendliness.
[0012] According to an aspect of the present invention, a
communication apparatus, includes a first setting unit for
executing a first setting process for setting communication
parameter with an access point, a second setting unit for executing
a second setting process for setting communication parameter with
another communication apparatus which is not the access point, a
detection unit configured to detect an apparatus activating the
first or second setting processing, and a selection unit configured
to select whether to perform the first setting process by the first
setting unit or to perform the second setting process by the second
setting unit, based on detection performed by the detection
unit:
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0013] According to the present invention, even when a plurality of
communication parameter automatic setting methods is installed on a
device, the communication parameter automatic setting method can be
automatically executed even without the user selecting the setting
method. Consequently, user-friendliness improves.
[0014] Further features and aspects of the present invention will
become apparent from the following detailed description of
exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0015] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of the specification, illustrate exemplary
embodiments, features, and aspects of the invention and, together
with the description, serve to explain the principles of the
invention.
[0016] FIG. 1 is a block configuration diagram of an apparatus
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a software function diagram of an apparatus
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a network configuration diagram according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 4 is an operation flowchart of communication processing
of an apparatus A according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
[0020] FIG. 5 is an operation sequence diagram of an apparatus A,
an apparatus B, and an access point according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 6 is an operation sequence diagram of an apparatus A,
an apparatus B, and an access point according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 7 is an operation sequence diagram of an apparatus A,
an apparatus B, and an access point according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0023] Various exemplary embodiments, features, and aspects of the
invention will be described in detail below with reference to the
drawings.
EXAMPLE 1
[0024] A communication apparatus according to the present exemplary
embodiment will now be described in more detail with reference to
the drawings. Although the following example is described using a
LAN system based on the IEEE 802.11 series, the communication mode
is not limited to a wireless LAN based on IEEE 802.11.
[0025] The hardware configuration according to the present
exemplary embodiment will now be described. FIG. 1 is a block
diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of respective
apparatuses to be described below. An apparatus 101 includes a
control unit 102 that controls the overall apparatus by executing a
control program stored in a storage unit 103. The control unit 102
is a computer such as a central processing unit (CPU), a
microprocessor unit (MPU), and the like. The control unit 102
performs automatic setting control of communication parameters with
another apparatus. Examples of communication parameter automatic
setting control include automatic setting processing of a wireless
LAN infrastructure mode and automatic setting processing of a
wireless LAN ad hoc net mode.
[0026] The storage unit 103 stores various information, such as a
computer program for control that is executed by the control unit
102, and communication parameters. Various below-described
operations are performed by the control unit 102 executing the
control program stored in the storage unit 103. As the storage unit
103, a memory such as a read-only memory (ROM) and a random access
memory (RAM) may be used, or a flexible disk, a hard disk, an
optical disc, a compact disc (CD) ROM, a CD-recordable (CD-R), a
magnetic tape, a non-volatile memory card, a digital versatile disc
(DVD), and the like may be used.
[0027] A wireless unit 104 performs wireless communication. A
display unit 105 performs various displays. The display unit 105
has a function for outputting visually recognizable information,
such as by a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a light-emitting diode
(LED), or a function enabling audio output such as by a speaker. A
setting button 106 serves as a trigger for activating communication
parameter setting processing. When the control unit 102 detects an
operation from the setting button 106 by the user, the control unit
102 executes the below-described processing. The configuration
illustrated in FIG. 1 also includes an antenna control unit 107, an
antenna 108, and an input unit 109, which allows the user to
perform various inputs.
[0028] FIG. 2 is a configuration example of software function
blocks executed by an apparatus in a below-described communication
parameter automatic setting operation. In FIG. 2, an apparatus 201
includes a packet receiving unit 202 that receives packets relating
to various kinds of communication. Reception of a beacon
(notification signal) is performed by the packet receiving unit
202. In addition, a device search signal such as a probe request is
also received by the packet receiving unit 202. A probe request can
also be called a network search signal for searching for a desired
network. Further, reception of a probe response, which is a signal
in response to a probe request, is also performed by the packet
receiving unit 202.
[0029] A packet sending unit 203 sends packets relating to various
kinds of communication. Sending of a beacon is performed by the
packet sending unit 203. In addition, the packet sending unit 203
also performs sending of a probe request and sending of a probe
response, which is a signal in response to a probe request. Various
information about the sending device (self-information) is added to
the device search signal and to the response signal thereof. This
self-information also includes information indicating whether
communication parameter automatic setting processing is activating.
A network control unit 204 controls network connection. Connection
processing to the wireless LAN network is executed by the network
control unit 204.
[0030] A search unit 205 searches for nearby devices by sending a
probe request using the packet sending unit 203, and receiving a
probe response using the packet receiving unit 202. The search unit
205 also searches for nearby networks by receiving a beacon signal
using the packet receiving unit 202.
[0031] Based on a search result of the search unit 205, a
determination unit 206 determines whether an access point
activating automatic setting processing is present based on a
detection result obtained by performing detection processing of
access points activating communication parameter automatic setting
processing for infrastructure communication.
[0032] Examples of the communication parameter automatic setting
processing for infrastructure communication include
industry-standard processing, such as Wi-Fi Protected Setup, and
proprietary processing provided by individual manufacturers.
Further, the determination unit 206 also determines whether a
device activating communication parameter automatic setting
processing for ad hoc mode communication is present.
[0033] An infrastructure communication setting unit 207 receives
communication parameters for infrastructure communication from an
access point serving as a station. This function block executes a
predetermined first setting processing protocol with an access
point, and receives from the access point the communication
parameters required for performing wireless communication, such as
the SSID as a network identifier, the encryption system, the
encryption key, the authentication method, the authentication key,
and the like.
[0034] An ad hoc communication setting unit 208 provides or
receives communication parameters for ad hoc communication to or
from another apparatus. This function block executes a
predetermined second setting processing protocol based on ad hoc
communication with the other apparatus, and performs the
communication parameter automatic setting processing required for
performing wireless communication, such as the SSID as a network
identifier, the encryption system, the encryption key, the
authentication method, the authentication key and the like.
[0035] An automatic setting control unit 209 controls to activate
of an automatic setting method. This function block selectively
activates either the setting process of the infrastructure network
by the infrastructure communication setting unit 207 or the setting
process of the ad hoc network by the ad hoc communication setting
unit 208 in order to perform automatic setting processing for the
method selected by a selection unit 210. Further, the automatic
setting control unit 209 performs detection processing of setting
button 106 operations by monitoring whether the setting button 106
is operated by the user.
[0036] The selection unit 210 selects whether to execute
communication parameter automatic setting processing for
infrastructure communication or to execute communication parameter
automatic setting processing for ad hoc communication based on a
determination result by the determination unit 206.
[0037] FIG. 3 illustrates a communication apparatus A 301
(apparatus A), an access point 302, and a communication apparatus B
304 (apparatus B). Apparatus A has the configuration as illustrated
in FIGS. 1 and 2. The access point 302 provides communication
parameters to the apparatus A by executing communication parameter
automatic setting processing for infrastructure communication based
on an instruction from the user, and communicating over a network
303.
[0038] In infrastructure communication, the apparatus A is operated
as a station (slave station) of the access point 302, and performs
communication via the access point 302. Further, in ad hoc
communication, the apparatus A performs direct communication with
another apparatus (apparatus B) without going via the access point
302. The access point 302 may also be referred to as a base
station, a key station, a control apparatus (station) and the like.
The access point 302 creates (constructs) the infrastructure
network, and performs control to allow the station apparatus (slave
station) to communicate.
[0039] Further, the apparatus B shares the communication parameters
with the apparatus A by executing communication parameter automatic
setting processing for ad hoc communication, and performing
communication over a network 305. The communication parameters may
be provided from the apparatus A to the apparatus B, or from the
apparatus B to the apparatus A. In the present exemplary
embodiment, infrastructure communication and ad hoc communication
are performed by a method based on the IEEE 802.11 series.
[0040] FIG. 4 is an operation flowchart of communication processing
executed when the setting button 106 is pressed by the user in the
apparatus A. The processing performed in FIG. 4 is performed by the
control unit 102 reading a computer program stored in the storage
unit 103 and executing the read computer program.
[0041] In step S401, the control unit 102 (automatic setting
control unit 209) monitors whether the setting button 106 has been
pressed. If the control unit 102 detects that the setting button
106 has been pressed by the user (YES in step S401), the control
unit 102 activates the search unit 205. In step S402, the search
unit 205 searches for nearby devices by sending a probe request
using the packet sending unit 203, and receiving a probe response
using the packet receiving unit 202.
[0042] Further, the search unit 205 may also search for nearby
networks by receiving a beacon signal using the packet receiving
unit 202. In step S403, the determination unit 206 determines
whether an access point activating communication parameter
automatic setting processing for infrastructure communication is
present by confirming the self-information included in the received
beacon or probe response.
[0043] If an access point activating communication parameter
automatic setting processing for infrastructure communication is
present (YES in step S403), the selection unit 210 determines that
communication parameter automatic setting processing for
infrastructure communication is to be executed. Then, in step S404,
if the selection unit 210 selects execution of automatic setting
processing for infrastructure communication, the automatic setting
control unit 209 confirms whether the ad hoc communication setting
unit 208 is activating.
[0044] If the ad hoc communication setting unit 208 is activating
(YES in step S404), in step S405, the automatic setting control
unit 209 stops operation of the ad hoc communication setting unit
208. Then, in step S406, the automatic setting control unit 209
activates the setting process by the infrastructure communication
setting unit 207. In step S407, the infrastructure communication
setting unit 207 executes communication parameter automatic setting
processing with the access point 302.
[0045] Further, in step S404, if the ad hoc communication setting
unit 208 is not activating (NO in step S404), the processing
proceeds to step S406. In step S406, the automatic setting control
unit 209 activates the setting process by the infrastructure
communication setting unit 207. Then, in step S407, the
infrastructure communication setting unit 207 executes
communication parameter automatic setting processing with the
access point 302. As a result of the infrastructure communication
setting unit 207 executing automatic setting processing with the
access point 302, the apparatus A acquires the communication
parameters from the access point 302.
[0046] When the apparatus A acquires the communication parameters
from the access point 302, based on a control by the network
control unit 204, the apparatus A utilizes the acquired
communication parameters to connect to the access point 302. Then,
the apparatus A joins the infrastructure network formed by the
access point 302, and performs communication.
[0047] Based on the confirmation result of step S403, if it is
determined that an access point activating communication parameter
automatic setting processing for infrastructure communication is
not present (NO in step S403), the selection unit 210 determines
that communication parameter automatic setting processing for ad
hoc communication is to be executed.
[0048] If the selection unit 210 determines that automatic setting
processing for ad hoc communication is to be executed (NO in step
S403), in step S408, the automatic setting control unit 209
confirms whether the ad hoc communication setting unit 208 is
activating. If the ad hoc communication setting unit 208 is not
activating (NO in step S408), in step S409, the automatic setting
control unit 209 activates the ad hoc communication setting unit
208.
[0049] In step S410, the automatic setting control unit 209
confirms whether a device activating communication parameter
automatic setting processing for ad hoc communication is present by
confirming the search result acquired by the search performed in
step S402. If a device (apparatus B) activating communication
parameter automatic setting processing for ad hoc communication is
present (YES in step S410), in step S411, the ad hoc communication
setting unit 208 executes communication parameter automatic setting
processing with the apparatus B, and shares the communication
parameters.
[0050] When the apparatus A shares the communication parameters
with the apparatus B, based on a control from the network control
unit 204, the apparatus A utilizes the acquired communication
parameters to form an ad hoc network with the apparatus B. Then,
communication is performed between the apparatus A and the
apparatus B.
[0051] Based on the determination result of step S410, if it is
determined that a device activating communication parameter
automatic setting processing for ad hoc communication is not
present (NO in step S410), the processing returns to step S402 with
the ad hoc communication setting unit 208 still activating, and the
search unit 205 again tries to search for devices.
[0052] FIG. 5 illustrates a processing sequence when the setting
button of the access point 302 is pressed, automatic setting
processing is activated, then the setting button 106 on the
apparatus A is pressed, and communication parameter automatic
setting processing is executed between the apparatus A and the
access point 302.
[0053] When the setting button of the access point 302 is pressed,
in F501, the access point 302 activates communication parameter
automatic setting processing for infrastructure communication.
After activating this, the access point 302 adds information
indicating that the access point 302 is activating automatic
setting processing to the beacon or probe response, and sends that
beacon or probe response.
[0054] When the setting button 106 of the apparatus A is pressed,
the apparatus A activates the processing illustrated in FIG. 4. In
F502, the apparatus A sends a device search signal (probe request)
for searching for a network, and confirms whether there are any
nearby devices activating automatic setting processing. In F503,
the access point 302 sends to the apparatus A a response signal
(probe response) including self-information indicating that the
access point 302 is activating automatic setting processing.
[0055] When the apparatus A receives a probe response from the
access point 302, the apparatus A confirms that communication
parameter automatic setting processing for infrastructure
communication is activating. If the apparatus A discovers an access
point that is activating communication parameter automatic setting
processing for infrastructure communication, in F504, the apparatus
A activates communication parameter automatic setting processing
for infrastructure communication.
[0056] Then, in F505, the apparatus A joins the network 303 of the
access point 302. In F506, the apparatus A executes automatic
setting processing for infrastructure communication with the access
point 302. Consequently, the apparatus A acquires the communication
parameters from the access point 302.
[0057] FIG. 6 illustrates a processing sequence when the setting
button 106 is pressed on the apparatus A, then the setting button
is pressed on the apparatus B, and communication parameter
automatic setting processing is executed between the apparatus A
and the apparatus B.
[0058] When the setting button 106 of the apparatus A is pressed,
the apparatus A activates the processing illustrated in FIG. 4. In
F601, the apparatus A sends a probe request for searching for a
network, and confirms whether there are any nearby devices
activating automatic setting processing. In F602, the access point
302 sends a probe response indicating that the access point 302 is
not activating automatic setting processing to the apparatus A.
Consequently, in F603, the apparatus A activates communication
parameter automatic setting processing for ad hoc communication.
After activating this process, in F604, the apparatus A creates
(constructs) the network 305.
[0059] Subsequently, after the setting button of the apparatus B is
pressed, in F605, the apparatus B activates communication parameter
automatic setting processing for ad hoc communication. Further,
similar to the apparatus A, the apparatus B may also perform the
communication parameter automatic setting processing for ad hoc
communication by executing the processing of FIG. 4. If the
communication parameter automatic setting processing for ad hoc
communication is activated, in F606, the apparatus confirms whether
there are any nearby devices activating communication parameter
automatic setting processing for ad hoc communication.
[0060] When the apparatus A receives the probe request sent from
the apparatus B, in F607, the apparatus A sends to the apparatus B
a probe response including self-information indicating that the
apparatus A is activating automatic setting processing. When the
apparatus B receives the probe response sent from the apparatus A,
in F608, the apparatus B joins the network 305 created by the
apparatus A. Then, in F609, communication parameter automatic
setting processing is performed between the apparatus A and the
apparatus B. In the automatic setting processing between the
apparatus A and the apparatus B, the communication parameters may
be provided from the apparatus A to the apparatus B, or from the
apparatus B to the apparatus A.
[0061] FIG. 7 illustrates a processing sequence when the setting
button 106 is pressed on the apparatus A, then the setting button
is pressed on the access point 302, and communication parameter
automatic setting processing is executed between the apparatus A
and the access point 302.
[0062] When the setting button 106 of the apparatus A is pressed,
the apparatus A activates the processing illustrated in FIG. 4. In
F701, the apparatus A sends a probe request, and confirms whether
there are any nearby devices activating automatic setting
processing. In this example, since the access point 302 is not
activating automatic setting processing, in F702, the access point
302 sends a probe response indicating that the access point 302 is
not activating automatic setting processing to the apparatus A.
Consequently, in F703, the apparatus A activates communication
parameter automatic setting processing for ad hoc communication.
After activating this process, in F704, the apparatus A creates the
network 305, and then continues the device search processing
illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0063] Subsequently, when the setting button of the access point
302 is pressed, in F705, the access point 302 activates
communication parameter automatic setting processing for
infrastructure communication. After activating this process, the
access point 302 adds information indicating that the access point
302 is activating automatic setting processing to the beacon or
probe response, and sends that beacon or probe response.
[0064] Since the apparatus A has not found a counterparty, which is
activating automatic setting processing, in F706, the apparatus A
resends a probe request to confirm whether there are any nearby
devices activating automatic setting processing. The access point
302 receives this probe request. Then, in F707, the access point
302 returns a probe response to which information indicating that
the access point 302 is activating automatic setting processing is
added.
[0065] Further, in F707, the apparatus A receives from the access
point 302 the probe response including the self-information
indicating that the access point 302 is activating automatic
setting processing. When receiving this probe response, the
apparatus A recognizes the fact that the access point 302 is
activating communication parameter automatic setting processing for
infrastructure communication. Consequently, in F708, the apparatus
A stops the communication parameter automatic setting processing
for ad hoc communication that had been activating. Then, in F709,
the apparatus A activates communication parameter automatic setting
processing for infrastructure communication.
[0066] When the communication parameter automatic setting
processing for infrastructure communication activates, in F710, the
apparatus A joins the network 303 of the access point 302. Then, in
F711, the apparatus A executes automatic setting processing with
the access point 302, and acquires the communication parameters
from the access point 302.
[0067] Thus, the apparatus A executes appropriate communication
parameter automatic setting processing by automatically detecting
nearby devices that are activating automatic setting processing.
Further, when the device search of step S402 in FIG. 4 is executed,
in some cases a plurality of devices activating automatic setting
processing may be detected.
[0068] In such a case, the automatic setting control unit 209 may
execute communication parameter automatic setting processing with
an unintended apparatus. To prevent acquisition or provision of
communication parameters from an unintended counterparty, the
processing is ended as an error. For example, in step S402 of FIG.
4, if the presence of an access point activating communication
parameter automatic setting processing for infrastructure
communication is recognized, as performed in step S410, the
automatic setting control unit 209 confirms whether a device
activating communication parameter automatic setting processing for
ad hoc communication is present.
[0069] When a device activating communication parameter automatic
setting processing for ad hoc communication is recognized, and both
communication parameter automatic setting processing for
infrastructure communication and communication parameter automatic
setting processing for ad hoc communication are activating is
recognized, the processing is ended as an error.
[0070] Further, when a plurality of access points activating
communication parameter automatic setting processing for
infrastructure communication are recognized, and a plurality of
devices activating communication parameter automatic setting
processing for ad hoc communication are recognized, the processing
is ended. Thus, when there are a plurality of counterparties
activating communication parameter automatic setting processing,
automatic setting processing is not performed. This is to prevent
acquisition or provision of communication parameters from or to an
unintended counterparty due to communication parameter automatic
setting processing being executed with an unintended
counterparty.
[0071] Thus, even when a plurality of communication parameter
automatic setting processing methods are installed in the
apparatus, the communication parameter automatic setting processing
method can be automatically selected and executed even if the user
does not select the method, thereby increasing user-friendliness.
In the present exemplary embodiment described above, automatic
setting processing is selected based on whether the access point is
activating automatic setting processing for infrastructure
communication or some other apparatus (station) is activating
automatic setting processing for ad hoc communication. Further,
since the selected processing is executed, automatic setting
processing suitable for the environment can be executed, thereby
increasing user-friendliness.
[0072] The exemplary embodiment of the present invention has been
described above. However, this exemplary embodiment is for the
purpose of illustrating the present invention, and is in no way
meant to limit the scope of the present invention. The
above-described exemplary embodiment may be variously modified
within the scope of the present invention. Further, the exemplary
embodiment has been described using a wireless LAN based on IEEE
802.11 as an example. However, the present invention may also be
employed in some other wireless medium, such as wireless universal
serial bus (USB), MBOA, Bluetooth(registered trademark),
ultra-wideband (UWB), ZigBee and the like. In addition, the present
invention can also be employed in a wired communication medium,
such as a wired LAN.
[0073] Here, MBOA is an abbreviation for multi band OFDM alliance.
UWB includes wireless USB, wireless 1394, wireless network (WINET),
and the like.
[0074] While the present invention has been described with
reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the
invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments.
The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest
interpretation so as to encompass all modifications, equivalent
structures, and functions.
[0075] This application claims priority from Japanese Patent
Application No. 2009-158943 filed Jul. 3, 2009, which is hereby
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
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References